The J.D. Power Initial Quality Study Puts GM on Top

The J.D. Power Initial Quality Study serves as the industry benchmark for new-vehicle quality, and has been redesigned for 2013. The study has been enhanced to better measure the quality of today’s vehicles, particularly problems related to new technologies and features now being offered. This year, General Motors scored its best showing in eight years in a closely watched customer survey by moving more slowly than its rivals in outfitting its vehicles with the latest technologies. Visit a Phoenix Chevrolet dealer for more information.

The study found overall that the majority of problems customers faced were not on account of defects of faulty manufacturing. The Initial Quality Study indicated that the issues customers experienced within the first 90 days of ownership had to do with the design of certain features, rather than defects.

GMC was crowned the top-ranked non-premium brand at 90 problems per 100 vehicles, and second overall in the study, trailing only Porsche (80 problems per 100 vehicles). Compared to last year, GMC climbed a significant 10 spots, and was the top-ranked non-premium brand. Chevrolet also jumped 10 spots and ranked fifth overall and second among non-premium brands with 97 problems per 100 vehicles. Cadillac tied with Audi for 13th overall and 7th among premium brands, at 108 problems per 100 vehicles. Buick finished just behind, with 109 problems per 100 vehicles.

Among 26-model-level segment awards, Chevrolet earned five – the most of any make. Overall rankings by nameplate indicated that eight General Motors vehicles, all available at an Arizona Chevy dealer, were ranked highest in their segments for most customer satisfaction.

They included:

Chevy Camaro – midsize sporty car

Chevy Impala – large car

Buick Encore – subcompact crossover

Chevrolet Tahoe – large crossover

Cadillac Escalade – large premium crossover

Chevrolet Avalanche and GMC Sierra LD – large light-duty pickup

Chevrolet Silverado HD – and large heavy-duty pickup

For more information on the J.D. Power Initial Quality Study, or GM vehicles, visit Freeway Chevrolet.